TORONTO, June 15, 2026 – The Canadian government’s latest travel advice for Cuba shows that the country is currently listed as an “avoid non-essential travel” destination because of shortages of basic supplies, including fuel, electricity, food, drinking water and medication. Canada also reminds travellers heading to Cuba to bring enough cash, as many businesses do not accept credit cards. Even in major cities, credit cards and ATMs may not work because of power outages or other disruptions.
The reminder is important for Chinese families planning summer vacations in Cuba, senior travellers, international students, residents joining tour groups, and families with relatives or friends in the Caribbean region. Many Canadian residents are used to travelling with only credit cards or mobile payment, but Cuba’s payment and supply environment is currently unstable. Arriving and then discovering that cards cannot be used may affect hotel deposits, meals, transportation, tips, medication purchases and emergency medical expenses.
Reuters previously reported that Cuba’s central bank said Visa and Mastercard transactions would be suspended starting June 6, citing limits on external payment processing partnerships related to U.S. sanctions. Canada’s travel advice page also warns that Cuba is experiencing power outages, unstable communications, fuel shortages and shortages of basic goods, which may affect resort services, ground transportation and food supply.
For families travelling with seniors or children, cash is not the only thing that needs to be prepared. The Canadian government reminds travellers to bring the personal items, medications and basic supplies they need. Local telecommunications networks may be poor, and internet and cellphone service may be unreliable, so travellers should not rely only on phones to handle emergencies. Travellers to Cuba also need proof of medical insurance. If they cannot show suitable insurance, they may have to purchase insurance locally. Canadian provincial health insurance provides very limited coverage outside Canada.
This does not mean everyone who has already booked a trip to Cuba must cancel, but travellers should not look only at airfare and hotel prices before departure. Arrangements may differ depending on the travel agency, hotel and airline. Cash, insurance, visas, online customs forms and emergency contact methods should all be confirmed in advance. The Canadian government also reminds travellers that Canadian tourists need a visa to enter Cuba. Those transiting through a third country may need to obtain a Cuban electronic visa in advance.
A realistic scenario is that a family joins a resort tour package and assumes that because flights and hotel are included, there will be no other issues. But if there is a power outage or bank cards cannot be used locally, buying medication, taking a taxi or handling flight changes may suddenly become difficult. Seniors who need regular medication, or children with special dietary needs, should not leave all arrangements until after arrival.
Residents planning to travel to Cuba should check Canada’s travel advice before departure, contact their travel agency, airline and hotel to confirm payment methods, prepare enough cash and keep it in separate places, and purchase travel insurance that includes medical care, delays and emergency evacuation. Families should also keep paper copies of passports, insurance policies, emergency phone numbers and accommodation addresses to reduce risks during power outages or internet disruptions.（LJI by Yuanyuan）
